Maria Esmeralda Moreno (2011 - 2012)

Paraguay

The first Sauvé Scholar from Paraguay, Maria Esmeralda earned her law degree at the Catholic University “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción,” where she graduated Valedictorian. After graduation, she took a Graduate Course in Private Law at the University of Salamanca (Spain). She later obtained an LL.M. in Law, Science and Technology from Stanford Law School in California. She is an Associate at a leading Paraguayan law firm, where she advises local and international clients on diverse areas of the law. Maria’s practice is focused mainly on pro bono legal advisory to local and international NGOs dedicated to the eradication of poverty and the protection of the environment.

Maria has work closely with Guyra Paraguay, the most important Paraguayan NGO dedicated to the defense and protection of biological diversity. “One of the most welcome side-effects of this work was not only that it awakened my desire to have a more active participation in the defense of the environment and preservation of species, but also introduced me to the problem surrounding the Guarani Aquifer, perhaps the issue for my generation.”

She is also Assistant Law Professor at several local universities and has authored several articles in prestigious local and international law reviews. Her Assignment of Contracts earned the first prize in the Law Review Competition for Leading Essay by a student. Her paper on affirmative action and the lack of women Supreme Court justices had a significant impact on the appointment of the first Paraguayan woman as a Justice of the Supreme Court. Maria also translated from French to Spanish a book on arbitration written by one of the greatest authorities on the matter, Emmanuel Gaillard.

As a Sauvé Scholar, Maria will focus on environmental and international law issues, and particularly, on the legal aspects surrounding the adequate management and preservation of the Guarani Aquifer . This Aquifer, shared by four countries, including Paraguay, is one of the greatest sources of freshwater on earth and studies estimate that it could supply the world for 200 years.

In addition to her native Spanish, Maria is fluent in English, French and Portuguese. During her leisure time, she enjoys reading, sports, gymnastics, watching films and travelling. She also lists acting and drama among her greatest passions.

Mother Tongue

Spanish (mother tongue) -- Other languages: English, French, Portuguese

Country of origin

Paraguay

Country of Residence

Paraguay

Profession

Environmental Lawyer